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Monday, July 20, 2020

Annie's Choices by Tricia McGill - Book Tour - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!


Hey, lovelies!  It gives me great pleasure today to host Tricia McGill and her new book, “Annie's Choices”!  For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!  Also, come back daily to interact with Tricia and to increase your chances of winning!

Thanks for stopping by!  Wishing you lots of luck in this fabulous giveaway!


Annie's Choices
by Tricia McGill

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GENRE: Historical Romance

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BLURB:

In book 4 of the Settlers Series, we catch up with most members of the extended family from the previous three books. Annie at 18 is the eldest Carstairs girl. She has lived out at Bathurst west of the Blue Mountains, where she was born just after her Mama, Bella and Papa, Tiger settled there back in 1824. After visiting her brother Tim and his wife Jo just before Christmas 1843, Annie decides to stay in Port Philip, seeking adventure much as her brother did when he set out with Jo the previous year. Annie has inherited her mother’s independent streak, a character trait that sometimes leads her to make the wrong choices.

Jacob O’Quinn works for her brother, and the likeable young carpenter catches Annie’s eye. Jacob is quiet and reserved in his manner, having spent his life with his widowed mother. When handsome Zachary McDowell, the complete opposite to steady Jacob comes along, he sweeps Annie off her feet. Heedless of advice given by others, Annie makes a choice that turns out to be the worst she could ever make.

Restless, Annie decides to return to her home, and Jacob makes the decision to escort her. The journey back across the mountains proves to be a lot more eventful than she assumed it could ever be. The road itself may have seen improvements through the years but there will always be unexpected incidents to turn life around on its axis. A suspected murder brings the might of the law down on the shoulders of the young couple.

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EXCERPT ONE:

Straightening her back Maggie stared straight ahead, as she said, “It could only be him—no other man was seen with her at any time.”

“That is a ridiculous lie,” Annie shouted as she stood and glared at Maggie. This time when Jacob went to touch her arm, she shook him off. “Jacob only knew the girl during the time we travelled from Sydney to Bathurst so it is out of the question that he could be responsible. I am well aware that Jacob knew who the likely father of the baby was, and I can vouch that he would never have touched a young innocent like Fannie in such a way. He is the type of man who would console her in her time of trouble, and that is what he was doing when that woman...” She stabbed a finger towards Maggie. “When she saw him with her.”

The judge angrily bashed his hammer on his desk and ordered quiet as the court exploded into uproar. “Sit down, Madam, and wait your turn,” he ordered, as he glared at Annie, before turning back to Maggie. “Miss Fitzsimmons, I will ask you another question and I wish you to be very sure of what you say. You are suggesting that Jacob O’Quinn could in some way be involved in the death of Fannie Doyle?”

For a brief moment, Maggie looked flustered as she glanced at her mother and then back at the judge. Biting on her bottom lip she said, “Not really, sir.”

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MY BOOK REVIEW:


This book was an intriguing, engaging, eventful, and enjoyable read!!

This book follows the story of an Annie, an eighteen-year-old girl, who is staying with her Aunt Jo, Uncle Tim, and their new baby, Bella.  Annie’s parents and she came down to visit Jo and Tim for the holidays and to meet the baby.  However, instead of returning home with her parents at the end of the visit, Annie decided to continue her stay and spend more time in Port Philip, a town much bigger than the small Bathurst mountain area she’s from.  During her visit she meets Jacob.  He works for her brother at his furniture manufacturing business, and lives in the stables.  Annie is quickly smitten with Jacob and tries to maximize her time with him, but always finds herself tongue-tied when she tries to talk to him.  Annie convinces Jacob to take her with him on his day off to visit his mom and then later a trip to the seashore.  After an uncomfortable interaction with Jacob’s mom, she meets a dashing lad by the name of Zachary.  Now with the interest of two men Annie is trying to determine who is the better suitor.  However, with repeated and ignored advice that Zachary is a well-known racketeer, up to no good, and not to be trusted Annie continues to pursue him while drifting further away from Jacob and her family.  Are they telling the truth?  Is Zachary up to no good?  Should she be staying away from him and chasing after Jacob instead?  Why would Zachary be so sweet and kind to her if he wasn’t interested in her?  No spoilers here!!  But you definitely will want to read this book and find out what happens!!

I enjoyed the story line and found myself intrigued and curious to how Annie’s story would end and who she would end up with.

I liked the main characters for the most part, but unfortunately was often annoyed at how rude and childish Annie acted.  Annie was book smart, but quite naïve, independent, sheltered, spoiled, and acted all-knowing – though she clearly wasn’t.  Annie was dismissive and quick to belt out orders whether it was to the maid, Jane, or Jacob or so on.  Her short, but brief encounter with Jacob’s mom left this reader with a sour taste.  I will admit that Jacob’s mom wasn’t exactly friendly, but I would never talk to an elder in such a distasteful tone as Annie did.  Especially after forcing Jacob to bring her along on his one day off and when he already had plans with his mom.  Already so disrespectful!

There were redeeming qualities for Annie throughout the book that I enjoyed, but often brought back to her coarse attitude.  Constantly judging and criticizing others.

I enjoyed and appreciated the author’s depth of research that was thoroughly highlighted in this book.  Her awareness of the history and culture of Australia – all added insight and authenticity to the story.

I also liked that the author used old language in her writings such as the terms: on the morrow, mayhap, dapper, fripperies, invalid, revelry, deigned, and chamber pot.  She also used Australian slang terms such as frock, daft, cove, dowager, flogging, skivvy, whist, etc.  It made the story feel more accurate.

There are some predictable scenes.  However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!

This book is Book Four in The Settlers Book Series.  I had not read any of the previous books in this series, before reading this book.  This book can absolutely be read as a standalone without any confusion.

All in all, there were just a couple hang-ups for me, but overall, I still enjoyed reading this book and would still recommend it!  I think all historical romance readers will like this book too!  So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**

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AUTHOR BIO:


Award winning author Tricia McGill was born in London, England, and moved to Australia many years ago, settling near Melbourne. The youngest in a large, loving family she was never lonely or alone. Surrounded by avid readers, who encouraged her to read from an early age, is it any wonder she became a writer? The local library was a treasure trove and magical world of discovery through her childhood and growing years. Although her published works cross sub-genres, romance is always at their heart.

Tricia’s love of animals has always shown up in her books. Tricia devotes as much time and money as she can spare to supporting worldwide conservation groups and is passionate about supporting those who do all they can to preserve our wildlife for future generations. She also volunteers for a local community group that helps disabled adults and children to connect to the internet with provided computer equipment. When people ask what she does in her spare time, she is heard to ask, “Spare time, what is that?”

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BOOK BUY LINKS:


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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Tricia will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.


**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those awesome giveaways on here.**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

14 comments:

  1. Tricia ~ Good morning! Welcome back! It is so great to have you here again! Congrats on your new book and good luck on the book tour! I enjoyed reading and reviewing your book, thanks for providing the copy! :)

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    1. Thanks so much for hosting me and my book. And many thanks for you very in depth review. Tricia

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  2. Hello! Thanks so much for sharing your book with us. Always fun reading about another book to enjoy.

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  3. This has a great cover. I love historical reads.

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  4. This sounds like an amazing read!

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  5. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed your review.

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  6. Thanks for sharing your review thoughts.

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  7. I love the cover, really drew me in.

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